Virginia Travel Blog

The fall season is a wonderful time to get away and experience a new place (or one you love and wish to return to)! Shenandoah Valley is the perfect place. Take in the gorgeous scenery, the cooler weather, the slow change in the season, and of course, activities and attractions that entertain all those looking for a fun and magical Virginia fall experience. Whether your idea of experiencing fall includes art, wine, food, outdoor fun, or all of the above, we have it in Virginia! Here’s a taste of what you have to look forward to.

• The Festival of Leaves in Front Royal – This fall festival will be October 14, 2017, 9:00am to 6:00pm. Come on out, rain or shine, and enjoy historical displays, arts and crafts, vendors, concessions, live entertainment, and more, all in downtown Front Royal. Be sure to also visit Heritage Square on the Warren Heritage Society grounds for special demonstrations on history and unique craft sales.

• Wine Crushing – Embrace your childlike spirit and get dirty with some good old fashioned wine crushing. There are many wonderful vineyards and wineries near us that offer this kind of carefree fun. Not only that, but you can also savor a fall beverage or two and try something local, authentic, and delicious in Virginia Wine Country.

• The International Gold Cup – Lovers of horses, competition, sports, and adventure, mark your calendars and come out on October 28, 2017 in The Plains. Tailgating at the Virginia Gold Cup is always a lot of fun. Tailgates each have their own unique themes, decorations, and food and drink. You can reserve tailgating spots if you’d like. There will also be a hat competition for the most popular hat! And of course, watching the actual race will be a thrill! If you have never seen a horse race at this level, it is an absolute must and an experience you won’t soon forget! Purchase tickets.

• Art at the Mill – Just minutes away from the inn you will find Art at the Mill, September 30 through October 15. Each year the Burwell-Morgan Mill in Millwood transforms into an art gallery. Come see it for yourself and enjoy the work of nearly 300 artists displaying over 1,000 unique pieces! There will be oil paintings, other painting, mixed-media, sculpture, woodworking, and pottery. There is something for everyone.

• Visit the Pumpkin Patch – At Hill High Farm in Winchester, just 15 minutes away from the inn, you can enjoy the beauty of fall orchards with pumpkins, fresh fruit, and other local produce. You can also check out Marker-Miller Orchards, Rinker Orchards, and Mackintosh Fruit Farm. All of which are very popular around the fall season!

Now all that’s left to do is take some time off of work and your everyday responsibilities, choose your favorite room at our Shenandoah Valley bed and breakfast, and start enjoying the fall getaway you deserve!

The Shenandoah Valley is the garden of the Washington DC area.  The summer is the best time to escape the heat of the city and enjoy the cooler breezes of the Blue Ridge and enjoy the best of seasonal cuisine from Local Sources at our Virginia bed and breakfast.  We all know how “swampy” it gets in DC, so run away for a short while, relax and recharge and renew your spirit.

I was walking out to the orchard and the fresh cherries are bursting on the trees.  The peaches survived the frost, much to our delight and are growing lusciously  alongside the Asian pears, apples, paw paws, plums and nectarines.  The first of our radishes are being harvested, fresh lettuce and lots of herbs are coming from our gardens and chefs are delighting in creating cuisine fit for the product.  We have prided ourselves as being in the forefront of the farm to table movement.  We started our own gardens and orchards in 1981, long before it was fashionable, and have continued our commitment to the fresh and best of the season in our French inspired cuisine.

Local producers are hauling in fresh ingredients to our kitchen from fresh seasonal strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and finally heritage tomatoes, the sweet succulent stars of summer. We are happy to have a local farm, Shenandoah Seasonal, just one mile from the inn and also, Jerry’s Berries, bringing us new produce every week.  We are looking forward to getting wine berries soon as well, and Barbara, our morning chef, can be seen with bubbling yummy jams and jellies waiting to be canned for the larder.

From fresh baked croissants, a wonderful aromatic jam and cafe au lait to start your day, to an evening  of exquisite dining in your choice of our two fine restaurants, this is the time for the foodie in you to celebrate.  And perhaps, while away the day sipping some of the best Virginia Vineyards, local craft brews, enjoying the best the season has to offer.

Your wedding day (and week!) are some of the most fun and special days of your life. We want to help you make those days picture perfect! Your itinerary is completely up to you. If you’d like, you can follow what we have laid out here or you can pick and choose what you’d like to do and customize your own wedding week, weekend, or couple of days. Treat you and your special someone to the best at our White Post, VA bed and breakfast. It’s all about the two of you and the lifelong memories you’re making.

Day 1

• Arrive at the inn and get settled into your room.
• Take a few minutes to relax from your travels and enjoy the chilled champagne and chocolate strawberries that will await you in your room.
• Treat yourselves to an in-room couples massage and let the stress and nerves melt away.
• Have a relaxed dinner at our Northern Virginia Restaurant with casual farm to table fare.
• Close out your first night at the inn with a nightcap under the stars.

Day 2

• Wake to our gourmet breakfast with warm croissants and café au lait.
• Have hair and makeup done en suite.
• Celebrate your love with the romantic ceremony of your dreams by our trellis garden – Shenandoah Valley Wedding Venues simply just don’t get any more dreamy!
• Take country chic photographs to remember your day.
• Enjoy an elegant reception of food, wine and laughter with your loved ones.
• Arrive in your room with rose petals and sleep peacefully after your big day.

Day 3

• Wake up refreshed and have a wonderful in room breakfast together.
• Take home a gift from the inn to remember the special moments from the last few days.
• Say your farewells or start your honeymoon in the Shenandoah Valley!

Tell us the vision you have for your special day with our Wedding Information Request Form. We look forward to helping you bring your fairy tale to life!

Escape the Ordinary and Travel to a Faraway Place… In Just About an Hour’s Time. Provence Without a Passport – An Experience Without Comparison.

Jour Un: Taste Du Vin

Sunday

10:30 AM: Bienvenue to L’Auberge Provençale

• Your French country experience begins the second you drive through the stone entrance to the inn.

You will be greeted by the warm scent of fresh-baked homemade Croissants and a piping Café au Lait – our signature La Petite Dejeuner and the perfect treat to start your day. Bon Jour!

11:00 – 3:00: Chauffeured Wine Tour

• Our expert sommeliers, or chef will act as your guides as you embark on the winding country roads reminiscent of the Rhone Valley. You will taste wines from the best local wineries including Glen Manor, Linden, Arterra, and Chateau O’Brien. Just as in Provence, each winery has its own unique character and specialty.

Our Gift to You: Wine Tour Survival Kit

• Everything you need to enjoy your wine tour in quintessential French style:
  • Logo wine glasses, wine opener, cheese & charcuterie with accoutrements, fresh fruit, marinated olives, baguette, wine wipes, sports beans, and Tide-To-Go all packed into one convenient cooler.

3:30 – 5:00: Wine in the Gardens

• Return to L’Auberge Provençale for check-in, then explore the grounds as you sip a glass of French Chateaux wine. In the summer, our gardens are filled with Nasturtiums, reminiscent of Monet’s Gardens in France.

Dinner: Le Bar Bistro-Style Restaurant

• Dine casually for the evening in a chic Parisian atmosphere. Our onsite bar & lounge offers sophisticated brasserie fare with the freshest farm-to-table ingredients. Pair an herb-infused cocktail with the Smoked Wagyu Sirloin or go for something lighter like our Provençale Flatbread Pizza – you really can’t go wrong!

Deuxiem Jour: Saveur Provence

Monday

8:00 – 10:00: Breakfast in the Sun Room

• Head down for breakfast at your leisure. Start with another house-baked croissant paired with fruit from the orchards. Next up is the main course – perhaps it will be cherry crepes with our very own minted maple syrup – Yum!

11:00 – 2:00: French Cooking Class with Chef Steven Ferrell

Provence is known for its use of fresh herbs and vegetable-centric cuisine. It is considered the garden of France just as the Shenandoah Valley is the garden of DC…

• Enjoy a true farm-to-table experience and gather fresh herbs and vegetables from our expansive gardens. Our chef will give you a personal tour of the grounds as you pick the very best seasonal ingredients including basil for our herb-infused olive oil and even edible flowers to add a little bit of flair!

Next, join the chef and his crew in our newly-renovated kitchen for a hands-on cooking class using the ingredients you’ve just gathered. It’s the quintessential “Mas” farmhouse experience from the South of France.

Le Delice Apres Midi: Take some time to yourselves and join us as you wish in the Salon for homemade minted lemonade, pastries and seasonal fruit from the orchard.

3:00: Couple’s Massage

• Experience the true French leisurely pace of life and unwind with a relaxing in-room couples massage. It’s just what you need to set the tone for an evening of indulgence.

5:00: Drinks and Hours d’oeuvres

• Meet in Le Bar for a local craft beer and chef’s choice hors d’oeuvres – you may even find yourself speaking is a slight accent as you are reminded of the Bistro’s Avignon home of owner Chef Alain Borel.

6:15: Dinner for 2 at La Table

As in Provence, we believe dining is more than eating, but a celebration of life.

• A stay at L’Auberge Provençale is not complete without a meal at our award-winning restaurant, La Table. We will treat you to a 6-course chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings.

Our menu changes daily as our dishes are all made with the freshest possible farm-to-table ingredients. A few of our favorites include Parisian Gnocchi, baby back lamb with ratatouille vegetables and of course dessert: rose petal ice cream made with heritage roses from our garden and served with lavender pound cake!

Troisieme Jour: Le Jour D’Aventure

Tuesday

8:00: Breakfast in Bed

• No need to leave your room, we will deliver warm croissants, breakfast breads, house-made jam, yogurt parfait with fresh fruit salad, café press and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

9:30-11:00: Horseback Riding

• Time for a trip to the Camargue where the cowboys reign in Provence. Enjoy the beauty of the Valley with experienced trainers and riders. As in the Camargue, you are in horse country – Virginia horse country.

11:30-12:30: Picnic Lunch

• Back at the Inn we will have a gourmet picnic lunch waiting for you! Dine in the garden surrounded by French lavender and sunflowers swinging in the breeze.

2:00-5:00: Canoe down the Shenandoah River

The emerald waters of the Verdon cut through Provence just as the Shenandoah river cuts through the Shenandoah Valley.

• Spend the afternoon out on the water with a leisurely paddle down this tranquil river as you take in views of the rolling countryside.

Dinner: Le Repas

• We will have a romantic in-room repast delivered for you to enjoy as you wish:
  • Thermos of Provençale pesto vegetable soup
  • Shenandoah seasonal salad with citrus vinaigrette
  • Southern fried chicken
  • French bread
  • Seasonal fruit tartlets
  • A bottle of Rosé de Provence (of course!)

Suggestion: Unwind from your exhilarating day with an aromatherapy steam shower!

Quatrieme Jour: Au Revoir Provence

Wednesday

9:00: Breakfast delivered to your room

• Savor one last taste of Provence with a hearty breakfast before you hit the road. Try a new homemade jam or marmalade on your croissant this morning. We have everything from peach basil and blueberry thyme to local blackberry and mint.

11:00: Checkout

• Pack up the cooler from your Wine Tour Survival Kit and bid this provincial haven adieu. Until next time!

Get a feel for the fun we have going on this spring with a video!

Virginia Wine Tours

Experience authentic Virginia wine in our beloved wine country, home of over 200 wineries! Some of our top recommendations for sips to savor are: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Norton, Petit Manseng, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. You haven’t lived until you’ve explored the gorgeous local vineyards in our own backyard and tasted the local wines they produce. It’s a wine lover’s paradise and we can bring it all to you with our unique wine tours.

View the Full Wine Tour Itinerary

Cooking Classes with our Chefs

Have you experienced the joy of dining with us at our restaurant? If you have, you know it’s a deliciously enjoyable experience, but now you can take a peek into the other side of food preparation in Virginia and get cooking with our experts! If you are an overnight guest at the inn, you can sign up for fun classes and learn how to cook recipes from our award winning restaurant. Let your next getaway be hands-on in the kitchen – it’s a blast!

Here is what is included when you choose to cook with us…

• Approximately 2 hours of hands-on cooking in our NEW La Table kitchen
• Fine Dining & Bistro Style Menu Items
• Instruction Provided by Chef Steven Ferrell
• La Table Provencale apron

Available Monday, Wednesday, Thursdays and Fridays 12pm-2pm

$125.00 per person added to the room rate.

More Information

Spring is finally here and there is no better time to discover the Shenandoah Valley.  There is so much to do and see this time of year with the flowers blooming and the fields of green.  So jump in your car, throw a bag in the back and drive on out to enjoy the season of renewal.

Easter and Mothers Day are especially important events that are celebrated here at L’Auberge Provencale.  We will be serving brunch both days from 11:30-2:00 and dinner from 2:30-7:30.  Take a nice stroll at the Virginia State Arboretum at Blandy Farm and see the dogwoods, red buds, and fields of daffodils in bloom before or after you enjoy our fresh farm to table springtime cuisine.  

Mark your calendars and make reservations early to enjoy some special springtime events.

The Art at the Mill, featuring over 200 artists and over 1,000 original pieces of art at the Burwell Morgon Mill, in Millwood, Va.  will be showing from Saturday, April 29th to Sunday May 14th.  Sundays-Friday 12 pm-5 pm,  Saturdays 10 am to 6 pm.  It is worth the journey to see the incredible judged pieces.  Bring your wallet as you will be sure to want to purchase some of the best art in the Shenandoah Valley.

Gardens at L’Auberge Provencale

The annual Virginia Garden week showcases Winchester on April 29th.  Each year Virginia opens it’s most beautiful gardens, homes and historic landmarks to the public in “Americas oldest open house”.   See Green Orchard, a Quaker farmhouse built in 1745, visit the Hopewell Meeting house which has been in existence since 1734, and enjoy tea there on April 29th from 1-3:00. and Springdale Estate to name just a few sites and gardens available on the tour.  For more information and to purchase tickets in advance visit the Shenandoah Valley Museum.

Virginia Gold Cup Race, Saturday, May 6th, 2017.  A time honored tradition of tailgate picnics.  Race day activities include terrier races, shopping hat contests, tailgate contests, and some of the best steeplechase racing you’ll find anywhere.  You can even place bets on the races online or from your mobile app.  How fun is that?

Lucketts Spring Market, May 19, 20, and 21st, 2017, is moving to Clarke County Fairgrounds this year.  For the first time this annual event will be held not at their farm but on the more spacious Berryville location. The fair features the best “vintage hip” vendors on the East Coast. It features painted furniture, vintage garden gems, architectural salvage, crusty antiques, and all kinds of crazy-good finds.This exciting event, now in its 18th year, has a huge and loyal following from all over the DC Metro area. Live music, beer gardens, enticing food trucks, and fun workshops all make for a spectacular and engaging shopping weekend.  The three-day Market hosts more than 8,000 visitors in search of the perfect vintage find.

We are in love with spring in the Shenandoah Valley! The flowers start blooming, produce begins to be harvested and the abundance of new life blanketing the land is stunning. Here are some of our favorite things that come with Spring in Virginia!

Incredible Produce From the Local Farms

The winter was kind to us and we get to reap the rewards this spring. Guests at our Virginia bed and breakfast get to enjoy wonderful fresh produce from our local farms, such as pea shoots, baby vegetables, asparagus and more. We also have fresh dirt tomatoes that are locally grown and any foodie knows there is nothing that beats a fresh tomato off the vine.

Great Celebrations with Easter and Mother’s Day

Come celebrate Easter with a brunch or dinner to remember at La Table Provencale. We also offer the perfect surprise for the mother in your life with a getaway for Mother’s Day. Say “I love you” with the most relaxing and lovely spring getaway filled with great food, laughter, wine tasting and more. Make 2017 the year of exceptional and memorable celebrations.

• Easter Sunday, April 16th – Brunch: 11:30-2:00pm Dinner: 3:00-8:00pm
• Mother’s Day Sunday, May 14th – Brunch: 11:30-2:30pm Dinner: 3:00-7:00pm

Vineyards Start to Bud

There is never a bad time to enjoy wine tasting with some of the most incredible vineyards Virginia has to offer. However, there is something beautiful about seeing the vines come to life again with fresh buds on the vine. Below are a couple of our favorite vineyards in the Shenandoah Wine Trail.

• Linden Vineyards – a lovely 4,000 case winery and vineyard that produces some wonderful wines.
• RdV Vineyards – set on 16 acres this beautiful vineyard in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains offers world-class Bordeaux-style blends.

“Neither Bordeaux or Napa, but uniquely our own.” – RdV Vineyards

Hiking, Biking, Walking & Nature

Getting outdoors becomes a treat in the spring. From walking around the The State Arboretum of Virginia viewing the blooming plants, to hiking or biking around the Shenandoah Valley, we have something for everyone.

Join us for a spring getaway to remember.

great Virginia wine festivals

The Shenandoah Valley, along the western border of Virginia, is one of the best places to visit for wine lovers from all over the country. The natural beauty of the area pairs nicely with some of the greatest cuisine, the most romantic Virginia getaways, and of course, the best wine.

Experience Virginia wine country with Virginia wine festivals, events, and more. Stay with us at our french-inspired Shenandoah Valley bed and breakfast to experience it all!

Look forward to…

Wine & Jazz Festival, June 24, 2017

Come out for a day of wine and jazz from 1:00pm-7:00pm with Wine & Jazz Festival at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, VA. Get a tour of the museum, enjoy tastings from different wineries, and a souvenir glass to take home to remember your wine getaway by. There will be craft and food vendors as well as a remarkable musical line-up. Make sure you carve out the whole afternoon, as there will be enough festivities to last the entire day.

Wine Fest, August 26, 2017

Save the date! Belle Grove Historic Plantation’s Wine Fest in Middletown will take place in late summer. Check back here for more details.

Wine and Trotter Festival, October 1-2, 2017

This fall, make your way to the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds and Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock, VA for Wine and Trotter Festival. Enjoy two full days of festivities with samples from more than 10 different Virginia wineries, food and craft vendors, and more.

Three-Day Wine Tour

Spend three days in a wine-lovers heaven with our three-day wine tour. We have the details already figured out for you, all you need to do is book your stay and get ready to have an amazing time!

Wednesday Wine Tastings

Get your weekly sips in with us Wednesdays at 5:00pm at La Table Provencale Bar & Lounge. Savor wine tastings and canapés made by Chef Steven Ferrell and our Sommelier. It’s the perfect midweek pick-me-up for only $25 per person. Call 540-837-1375 for reservations or book online. Walk-ins welcome as well!

It’s time to celebrate love! With the cozy feel of winter and Valentine’s Day coming up, now is the time to start thinking about where you and your other half will be getting away for some relaxation and quality time together.

Escape to the Shenandoah Valley in gorgeous Virginia and enjoy an incredible stay with us at our French-inspired White Post, VA inn.

Here’s a little taste of what you can look forward to…

Incredible Romance Package – When you stay with us, you can indulge in the Royal Treatment Package, which includes an hour long couples massage, breakfast delivered to your room, chocolate covered strawberries, scattered rose petals, and flameless candles set up in your room while you’re at dinner, chilled sparkling wine to toast to a wonderful life together, and a welcome gift. The cost is $395, plus the cost of your room.

An Unforgettable Valentine’s Day Dinner – Stay with us for Valentine’s Day and take advantage of the delicious dinner we have planned! Join us on February 14th and enjoy a four or five course meal from our prix fixe menu along with selections from our “Lovers’ Tasting Menu.” Pair this dinner with an overnight stay in one of our romantic rooms and you’ll have all the ingredients for a picture perfect Valentine’s Day getaway! If you can’t make it on the 14th, we’re offering this special dinner the weekend before and after the holiday too! this Call 540-837-1375 for reservations and inquiries.

Wine Tours – Embark on a true Virginia wine country experience with a wine tour or two. Visit gorgeous Virginia vineyards, taste the best local wines, and indulge in the full experience. With the breathtaking scenery and so many wonderful wineries at your fingertips, you’ll feel as if you’ve escaped to the French countryside! Check out our full and detailed list of vineyards and wineries to visit.

Winter West Coast Wine Dinner – Don’t miss this incredible dining event at La Table Provencale on February 26th! Here, you’ll be taken on a culinary and wine-filled journey through the states California, Oregon, and Washington with fresh local cuisine and the best paired varietals. This four hour experience is just $145 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Please call 540-837-1375 for reservations or book online.

Free Heart Cake – Indulge in a decadent heart-shaped cake and enjoy it with your loved one to celebrate Valentine’s Day or just because.Your cake will be in your room upon arrival. No need to request it – this will automatically be included in your February reservation.

Lowest Rates of the Year – Take advantage of the lowest rates of the year and treat yourselves to a romantic stay in the Shenandoah Valley… you deserve it!

October and November in the Shenandoah Valley is absolutely divine. The air is a bit chilly but not so cold that you cannot spend a little bit of time outside enjoying the views. The Virginia fall foliage is gorgeous too. We know it can be hard to narrow down what to do during your stay, but not to worry, we’ve compiled a list of the absolute best ways to enjoy fall in Virginia this season.

Go on a Wine Tour

If you love wine, wish to experience all that Virginia Wine Country has to offer, but aren’t into planning, our White Post, VA inn has the perfect package for you! We offer chauffeured wine tours. These four hour tours with our own Sommelier Christian Borel and Wine Director Celeste Borel. See the sites, take in the scenery, and learn about the wonderful wine that makes this area so special. Learn more here.

Savor a Spiced Cider

Nothing says fall quite like a spicy, flavorful cider. The Shenandoah Valley offers many local cideries that are unique to the area and offer a little something for everyone. We recommend visiting Winchester Cider Works and Wild Hare Hard Cider for a start. Visit our full list of recommendations here.

Experience the Lounge & Bar at La Table Provencale

If you haven’t yet spent some time relaxing and enjoying a few drinks at our new bar & lounge, now is the time! Join us every 1st and 3rd Friday 5:00-7:00pm through December 11th at the La Table Provencale Bar & Lounge for beer tastings and canapés. 4 craft beers and 4 canapés will be featured along with beers from Susquehanna Brewing Company, Escutcheonon Brewing Co., and more. At only $25 per person this is a must! *Excludes holidays.

Attend a Fabulous Wine Dinner

Join us on November 13, 12:30-4:00pm for a special event featuring wines from Linden Vineyards and RdV Vineyards. Our La Table Provencale wine dinners are something extra special to add to your itinerary. Join us this fall season for an incredible dining and wine event. Our guests love to catch one of these special events on their visit, and if your late Autumn getaway will be taking you to Virginia’s wine country, you’re in luck! Hardscrabble Chardonnay and Hardscrabble Cabernet will be featured with expert food pairings and more fabulous and flavorful pairings that you will have to taste to believe!

Cozy Up & Rekindle Romance

Fall is the perfect time of year to get away with your loved one and enjoy some special time together. Fall can be busy so take some time for yourselves and enjoy life’s simple pleasure. Who says your vacation itinerary has to be jam packed? Leave a few days free and just savor every moment of cozy, romantic relaxation. You deserve a retreat!

Enjoy a Local Brew!

There are many terrific local breweries close to us in White Post. There are so many to choose from, you will have to visit more than once

Now that your itinerary is full of our festive favorites, all that’s left to do is pack your favorite cozy scarf and some boots and hit the road! We’ll be here to greet you to a harvest time wonderful at our White Post, VA bed and breakfast.

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